MANAGING ANXIETY IN MIDLIFE Simple Solutions for a Calmer Mind
taking a class, or volunteering — these help foster meaningful connections while keeping your mind engaged. Seek professional support. If anxiety feels unmanageable, speaking with a therapist or counselor can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial for anxiety, as it enables you to identify and reframe negative thought patterns. In some cases, a medical provider can prescribe helpful medication. Experiencing anxiety in your 50s and 60s is more common than you think, but it’s also manageable. Taking proactive steps today can lead to a calmer, more confident tomorrow.
As we age, life’s demands shift in ways that can heighten anxiety. Many older adults navigate significant changes — increased career demands, aging parents, and chronic health conditions. Hormonal shifts associated with aging, especially among women, can also amplify stress and unease. Common symptoms include irritability and panic, insomnia, trouble with memory and focus, and digestion problems. Fortunately, there are strategies to help you regain control and maintain your well-being. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness techniques encourage you to focus on the present moment, which can counteract racing thoughts and reduce feelings of worry. Mindfulness-based practices include
meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Even a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference. Stay physically active. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like walking, swimming, and tai chi can be ideal for older adults, as they are gentle on the body while providing mental health benefits. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
Maintain social connections. Strong social ties are one of the most
significant predictors of contentment. Reaching out to friends, family, and community groups reduces feelings of isolation and can help manage anxiety. Consider joining a book club,
Words for Juliet and Danielle
OUR TEAM’S ADMINISTRATIVE ACES
Many special occasions take place this time of year, but few excite me more than Administrative Professionals Day on April 23. If you had the team I have by my side every day at work, you’d be looking forward to it, too. I’m fortunate to have two invaluable administrators here at the firm celebrating their fifth anniversaries with us this year. Although no words can truly describe how critical they continue to be to our success, I’d like to tell you a little bit about what makes them so special. When you call our firm, you’ll often hear Juliet Markowitz’s friendly voice on the other end of the phone. As our front desk legal administrative assistant, she displays a positive and supportive demeanor with everyone she encounters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people mention to me how much they appreciated and enjoyed interacting with her. You know things are working right when you hear that! Danielle Angell is a natural-born paralegal — she’s one of those people who just gets it. There have
been numerous times when she’ll chime in with great ideas when the rest of us were sitting around and scratching our heads over what to do about a certain issue. She gets things done without being told specifically what to do. I’ll often say, “We need to do this,” and she’ll immediately say, “Oh, I’ve already done that!” I honestly don’t know how my firm ever existed without Juliet and Danielle! Anyone who works with us — be it other lawyers or current or potential clients — knows how important they are in making our business operate on a daily basis. I’m thankful every day for the work they do — and the attitude with which they do it. Happy Administrative Professionals Day, Juliet and Danielle! We’re a better firm — and I’m a better attorney — because of you.
Danielle
–Kevin Mottley
Juliet
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